Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: How does the Union Circle work

There has always been a multiplayer element to Pokémon. As old as the franchise itself, trading and fighting against friends has always been an option, and more recent games have made it possible to do so from anywhere in the world thanks to online connectivity. With a more expansive environment and a brand-new online location called Union Circle, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet expand on the idea even further. This is the first time Pokémon multiplayer has ever gone online.

Union Circle creates opportunities for Pokémon co-op

You can play together with your friends or other gamers online thanks to the Union Circle function, which is accessible through the Poké Portal online system. In addition to engaging in battles, trading, and showing them off, you can go on adventures with your favorite Pokemon pals throughout the Paldea region. Together with up to three other players, you can use Union Circle to explore, catch, trade, and battle both wild and caught Pokemon. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's story campaign contains more than one main route, so it doesn't appear that co-op play will allow you to travel without interruption everywhere. However, you may still explore the same areas with your friends or online allies.

The Union Circle feature has a few additional restrictions, but there are many more opportunities to play through the bigger Poké Portal. Beyond fighting, commerce, and the Union Circle, multiplayer goes even deeper. Additionally, you and up to three other players can take part in Tera Raids, which are large, extremely difficult battles against terastillized Pokémon. A Tera Raid, for example, allows you to capture powerful Pokémon that aren't always of the same type as those you're used to seeing; for example, a Terastillized Pikachu could be of the Flying Type. While collaborating with other players, you aren't constrained by their timing, and you'll work together with your allies to weaken the Terastillized Pokémon just enough to capture it. You take action when you are ready.

Tera Raids must be completed in order to receive helpful things in addition to the Pokémon. The release date for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is November 19, a Friday. Preorders are currently open, and if you buy them now, you'll get an additional Tera Pikachu of the Flying type.